The "Duke Wind Symphony: History..." performance will honor the longstanding legacy of the ensemble on campus. The ensemble will perform works in tribute to the visionary Paul Bryan, the long-time band director, unveil a piece by Mary Lou Williams that she composed on her deathbed but which has been neglected since, and showcase the composition of Duke Music Professor Anthony Kelley, also a Duke Wind Symphony alumnus. We warmly invite alumni to attend this significant performance, celebrating the profound impact and influence of the Duke Wind Symphony on campus and beyond.
Repertoire includes: 'History...' by Mary Lou Williams, 'The Governor's Own' by Alton A. Adams, 'Big City Lights' by Maria A. Douglas, 'El Camino Real' by Alfred Reed, and more.
As part of the performance, Kelley will showcase portions of the 1990 documentary "Mary Lou Williams: Music on My Mind" by Joanna Burke. This documentary features Bryan talking to the Duke Wind Symphony about the last unfinished piece that Williams was composing, and inspired Kelley to track down the sketches to compose this performance. An except from this documentary can be viewed below.